NSW election opponents give Arthur Rorris the once over

The Illawarra union boss announced on Wednesday that he had abandoned his 20-year membership of the Labor Party to run as an independent at the March 28 poll.

Greens candidate for Wollongong, Mitchell Bresser, said he had worked closely with Mr Rorris during his time as president of Wollongong University Student Association last year, and believed he had been helpful and productive on many progressive issues.

"This is a good change for the seat of Wollongong, and maybe we'll be able to have a proper debate about the region's healthcare, education and protecting public assets," he said.

"I think him running shows that the Labor Party isn't doing enough for the labour movement, and I very much hope that he doesn't toe the Labor Party lines and, if he were to get elected, that he wouldn't make Wollongong a Labor seat in all but name."

Mr Bresser also said he was confident Mr Rorris' nomination would not capture any Greens voters.

"He may have a history of having progressive politics and standing for environmental conservation, I think that the NSW Greens have a better track record," he said.

"But I do think he's a breath of fresh air for Labor voters, and will split the Labor vote."

Liberal candidate Cameron Walters was a man of few words when asked about Mr Rorris, echoing lines used by Noreen Hay by saying he supported the democratic system and the right of any person to run for Parliament.

"The more people that go for the seat of Wollongong the better and as long as they are for the people of Wollongong, it should make it an interesting election," he said.

Mr Walters, a 22-year-old racing car driver, said he did not believe his own votes would be dented by the presence of another highly experienced and high-profile candidate in the Wollongong race.